Another nativity perspective

I love to read the Nativity stories of the birth of Jesus in the first two chapters of the New Testament books of Matthew and Luke.

http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/1?lang=eng
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/2?lang=eng
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/1?lang=eng
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/2?lang=eng

I invite my blog readers to checkout another Nativity perspective. A western hemisphere prophet named Samuel prophesied 5 years before the birth of Christ of the signs of his coming. I invite you to read the first 13 verses of the 14th chapter of the Book of Helaman.
http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/14?lang=eng

The scriptural account of the wonderful fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy can be read in verses 4-23 of the first chapter of the Book of Third Nephi.
http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/1?lang=eng

I wish for you and yours to enjoy a Christ-centered Christmas season and to fully receive the greatest gift ever given, the very Son of God.

Music that speaks to my soul

Two of my all time favorite pieces of music: "Alleluia" by Randall Thompson and "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber. Both bring me to tears as the music reminds that although life can have long periods of difficulty and sorrow, it is ultimately joyful and wonderful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTdrAt3vReA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izQsgE0L450&NR=1

Cancer ettiquette?

Some people think there should be an etiquette handbook to keep those with cancer and everyone else from "inflicting themselves upon one another". I have my doubts whether such a book would help. Discussing potentially terminal diseases can be just plain awkward, unless you are a close friend or family member and the sick person signals a willingness to talk openly. I've chosen to be open about my experiences with cancer. I'm sorry if this choice has made anyone feel uncomfortable. Others who have or are battling cancer may not be comfortable talking about their situation and may choose to keep it private. What do YOU think?

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/12/hitchens-201012?printable=true

Entitlement and the Natural Man vs. Godly Gratitude

I invite you to read the articles about the spirit of entitlement (which causes discontent and greed)
and then contrast that with the divine principle of gratitude (which helps us feel happier and more content).

ENTITLEMENT
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/lds-church-updates/article/6535?ac=1
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/308772_faith24.html
http://www.sideroad.com/Personal_Development/sense-of-entitlement.html
http://www.mormontimes.com/article/17915/Of-One-Heart-Avoiding-the-poison-of-entitlement?s_cid=newsline

GRATITUDE
http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2010_09_14_Clark.htm
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-27,00.html

The Message

I just finished reading an amazing book entitled, "The Message". The book tells the true story about a man named Lance Richardson who had an accident which left him in a coma for several weeks, during which time his spirit left his body on several occasions and visited the world of spirits. He finds that after-life for those who have lived honorable lives is wonderful and peaceful beyond imagination, but that people are not sitting around on clouds playing harps. They are busily and happily working and serving one another and their posterity on earth. He emphasizes that he would do absolutely ANYTHING to be ensure his eventual return to that place and feel again the intense feelings of love and peace. He is taught some very important lessons, which he is instructed to share with the world upon his return to mortality (hence the reason he wrote the book) to warn the people of our world that we are quickly headed for self-destruction if we do not alter course. Some of the critical lessons he is allowed to remember and instructed to share are:

1- God inspired the best men of their time to establish the government of the United States of America and its Constitution founded upon the principle of Liberty. Many who gave their fortunes, honor, and/or lives to defend this Land of Liberty wish to ask those of us who now enjoy the fruits of their sacrifices- what are we doing to preserve the cause of Liberty when it is now in peril, beyond just enjoying the blessings which have been bequeathed to us by previous generations? This will be one of the questions each of us will have to answer on Judgment Day.

2- The principle of service to our families, communities, and nation is a bedrock, life changing domino effect that can save our nation from the the calamity which already had us tightly in its grip. Allow me to quote, "Our families, our society, our nation, and our world are at risk. If we do not join together, as friends and neighbors, taking a stand for these ideals (Love, God, Family, Country, and Service) by reinstating them as priorities in our lives, and beginning to genuinely love one another through Service, we may lose them.

This book provided a needed megadose of hope and reassurance. It was difficult to put the book down and finally go to sleep in the wee hours of the morning instead of continuing to read.
I strongly encourage each of my immediate and extended family members and friends to obtain a copy of this book (either from the website below or from someplace like Amazon) and read and contemplate THE MESSAGE.

http://www.americanfamilypublications.com/



Speaking of liberties being at risk and the responsibility of citizens to defend against this, please read these remarks by a former professor of law and Utah Supreme Court Justice (and widely considered expert on the U.S. Constitution) and now an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Dallin Oaks.

The Executive Summary:
http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/apostle-extols-fundamental-principles-of-us-constitution

The full text of his speech:
http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/fundamentals-of-our-constitutions-elder-dallin-h-oaks

In a time when most people are demanding their "rights", Elder Oaks encourages citizens to fulfill the following responsibilities:

1- Understand the Constitution
2- Support the Law
3- Practice Civic Virtue
4- Maintain Civility in Political Discourse
5-Promote Patriotism

9/11- 9 years later

As we fittingly remember the thousands whose lives were violently ended by an act of hate and terrorism 9 years ago, and honor the hundreds of thousands who responded to provide aid and assistance in the aftermath, let us remember that the ultimate solution to hatred is not more hatred, but love. It is one of the hardest doctrine's of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to strive to love those who consider themselves our enemy, even as we strive diligently to protect ourselves, our families, and our country from those who seek to destroy us.

Its also very important to resist the inclinations of the natural man or woman to stereotype people who are from the same part of the world, or have similar names, or believe in the same basic religion as those who consider themselves our enemy. Love is what ultimately bridges the gaps of differences and misunderstanding between people.

I watched a long, but worthwhile movie this past week that I recommend to my family and friends. The move is a fictional account of an autistic, Forrest Gump-like Muslim man and his life. In my opinion, the movie teaches an important message of love and tolerance, even if the ending is unnecessarily politicized. The name of the movie is "My Name is Khan". We rented it from RedBox for $1.

http://www.mynameiskhanthefilm.com/

Hallowed Ground: John & Elsa Johnson Farm

During a recent business trip to Cleveland, I visited an LDS Church history site made sacred by events of history and the sacrifice of early Church members.

The John and Elsa Johnson farmhouse located in Hiram, Ohio was, during the early 1830's, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. More than a dozen modern day revelations were received in this home, including the glorious vision experienced by the Prophet Joseph Smith and Elder Sidney Rigdon in February 1832, and later recorded as the 76th Section of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. As sometimes happens, persecution followed the outpouring of blessings. A little more than a month following this amazing vision, a drunken mob led by enemies of the Church attacked and tarred and feathered Joseph and Sidney in the middle of the night at the Johnson farm. A young adopted child of the Smiths later died as a consequence of exposure suffered during the attack. Sidney Rigdon was knocked unconscious and suffered a serious concussion and by having his head dragged along the frozen ground during the attack. Both men had to endure the painful process of having the tar scrapped off their skin.

The Prophet Joseph was preaching from the front steps of this home the following morning.

Later, the Johnsons consecrated their home and farm to the Church to help fund the building of the Kirtland Temple.

http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1834-1-1-1,00.html

Photos from my visit:
http://picasaweb.google.com/CameronHess/JohnJohnsonFarm#

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

I am rich. You are Rich. EVERYONE who is reading this is RICH, RICH, RICH!!! We have a real roof over our heads. We sleep in soft beds. We rarely, if ever, go to bed hungry. ALL our kids have the option of going to public school at no direct cost. We wonder how to spend our discretionary money and where to go on vacation. We shop at stores where the shelves are fully stocked with just about anything you can imagine. We have running water that we can safely drink. We have functioning indoor toilets. We can take hot showers every day. Our streets are paved and our garbage is picked up weekly. Not withstanding the real problems in our country, we are SO blessed, SO fortunate compared to millions and millions of people who were born in a different place on our planet.

More than 2 years ago, I wrote a blog entry about my dear friend Peggy Rogers and her AMAZING efforts to help break the cycle of poverty in one of the poorest country in the world by coordinating the raising and delivery of funds to sponsor schools, teachers, and student scholarships to educate children in Zambia. A decade ago she wrote a book that changed my life, “Heart to Heart- Worlds Apart”.
http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2008/08/zambia.html

I recently found myself traveling relatively comfortably at 35,000 feet and 500 mph inside a very common place flying machine while reading Peggy’s latest book (Foreign Flowers) about the difficult task of trying to help her dear friends in Zambia where the vast majority of people in the entire country have NONE of the things mentioned in my opening paragraph…and have NEVER even seen an airplane, little less ever dream of riding in one. As I read Peggy’s moving book about her frustrating efforts to help the DESPERATE people of Zambia, I watched through tear filled eyes as the TV program being shown to keep passengers from becoming bored was demonstrating a new force-feedback vest for sale to gamers who want to exchange their discretionary funds for a more realistic experience when they are shot while playing computer shoot-em up games. The irony was so overwhelming that I had to go to the restroom and wipe my eyes and blow my runny nose.

I invite everyone who reads this blog posting to take a look at the Zambia Scholarship Fund (ZSF) website (see below) describing the important work that is being done, while understanding that the VAST MAJORITY of those applying to attend these schools are regretfully forced to return to their lives of hopelessness because of limited funds. A donation of only $20/month will pay room and board and food, and all school costs to sponsor a student for a month. However, even if you can only afford $5/month, this would be more cash flow than many Zambians could earn in a month. PLEASE consider donating what you can to THIS VERY WORTHY CAUSE! Peggy and her team are all volunteers and do NOT receive any salary. 100% of donated funds goes to sponsor students in Zambia who are DESPERATE for an education.

"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. " Matthew 25:40

Who are "the least of these"?
Zambia is among the poorest countries in the world. PLEASE seriously consider helping provide "the least of these", with the basic education they so desperately desire.

My first blog posting about Zambia Scholarship Fund.
http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2008/08/zambia.html

ZSF YouTube Videos
http://youtu.be/Qogg1T2hE1k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oMEN_KdPjQ
http://youtu.be/EooK_-kjeZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhl77ADFyjg
http://youtu.be/N3XEYUpy1KE
http://youtu.be/Ql-kuR0yHkE

Zambia Scholarship Fund website
http://www.zambiasscholarshipfund.org/donate.html

Freedom Flight 195

There is a tradition among Air Force pilots that the final time a pilot flies with a particular squadron (an Air Force unit consisting of at least 4 pilots) , it is referred to as a "fini" or "champagne" flight, after which they are honored by fellow fliers by being hosed down with water and doused with champagne.

Most of the Air Force pilots whose flying careers ended when they were shot down during the Vietnam War, and then cruelly imprisoned until the end of the war, never had that opportunity. For more than 30 years, the men and women of the 560th Flying Training Squadron at Randolph Air Force Base outside of San Antonio, Texas have made it possible for nearly 200 former US Air Force pilots and Vietnam POWs to be recertified for flight and given the honor and excitement of their long overdue fini flight.

My father, Lieutenant Colonel Jay C. Hess (retired), who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1973 and spent 2,029 days as a Prisoner of War, was awarded the honor of a fini flight in a T-38 jet on Thursday, March 25th, 2010. There are very few 80 year old men who get to pilot and "pull G's" in an Air Force jet.

The following URL links are to videos and websites about this event:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/videos/89243327.html
http://www.foxsanantonio.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/vid_1621.shtml
http://www.randolph.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=5901

The Mormon Mass

Tonight Kim and I attended the Orange County Mormon Chorale Organization's (OCMCO) performance of "To Bring The World His Truth" held at the very impressive Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The event featured the three youth choirs, the Orange County Mormon Chorale, and the Orange County Mormon Symphony Orchestra. Tonight's performance included the world premiere of the "Messiah in America" oratorio, which was composed by Brett Stewart, the OCMCO conductor. He joked that some would call this the Mormon Mass.

http://www.ocmco.org
http://www.ocmco.org/TICKETS/tabid/116/Default.aspx
http://www.ocpac.org/home/Content/ContentDisplay.aspx?NavID=546

Several members of our ward and others we know from our stake and beyond were among the performers. There were parts of the two hour performance that could have used a little more polish, but over all, it was very impressive and I am grateful to have been able to attend. The audience gave the performers a standing ovation with three call backs. I think they could have had a fourth call back, but the audience was tired of clapping so loud for so long, plus there was a second performance later tonight so they had to hurry and clear the concert hall and the parking structure to make room for those arriving for the second performance.

Suzanne Leonard Hess

Suzanne Leonard Hess is one of my paternal aunts, the wife of my father's brother Vince. Her disease damaged heart gave out on her Sunday, March 7, 2010 with her family at her side.

I'm so glad that I listened to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost that prompted me to stop by and talk with her and Vince during a trip to Utah in mid February, a few weeks before she died. When I showed up at their door unannounced, they graciously invited me into their home, where we enjoyed a pleasant conversation. She told me about her heart problems and some of the accompanying issues and challenges. Vince told me that when pressed for a prognosis, her doctor said that Sue could live 5 years or 5 weeks. Her heart didn't even make it 5 weeks.

I'm also glad I submitted a letter to be included in their 50th wedding anniversary book last year. Suzanne Leonard Hess, or Aunt Sue as I called her until old enough to be allowed the honor of just calling her "Sue" was and is one of the sweetest, nicest, most Christ-like people I have ever been blessed to associate with. I'm not alone in believing this, as attested by all the guest book comments included below and all the speakers at her funeral.

When I was in my early to mid teens, I was invited into her home on many occasions during summer months when Vince kindly allowed me to help him with his farming work. Vince helped nurture in me a work ethic that has been a great blessing to me all my life. He taught me to mow and bail hay (alfalfa). I was driving tractors from one field to another via Farmington city streets when I was 13 or 14. Although I watched a time or two as a team of men or strong older teens hauled heavy bales of hay out of the field, before the time I was big and strong enough to do that kind of intense work, Vince had invested in the first self-propelled balewagon in the area, which allowed him to easily do by himself what had taken 3-5 men to do with great effort.

I sometimes stayed over night and often shared meals in their home. To eat one of Sue's mid-day meals (to call it just "lunch" would be an insult) made all the hard work in the morning worth while and gave us the energy needed to perform all the hard work required during the afternoon. As I recall, these meals included lots of home grown vegetables (sweet corn on the cob, beets, chard, tomatoes, etc) and delicious homemade bread. As was mentioned at the funeral, anyone who had the blessing of enjoying Sue's homemade apricot jam or ice cream could attest that they had eaten one of the most delicious things they had ever tasted.

Sue and Vince raised seven sons. And not just any sons. My cousins Howard, Todd, Matthew, Christian, Craig, Nathan, and Brian are a living tribute to the honorable, integrity filled lives of their parents. With the exception of Todd (who died prematurely in 2008), all the sons participated in their mother's funeral service, attested to her saintliness, and bore strong testimony of the reality of life after death and a Christ-enabled resurrection which would make it possible for them to again see their beloved mother.

Attached are the obituary and funeral program, followed by the comments left by family and friends in online guest books associated with the mortuary or obituary. (click on each thumbnail image to view the full size image)






Dear Vince and Family,

Jeri and I are so sorry for the loss of your dear Suzanne. We have always enjoyed your kind and loving personalities and our family association with you. Suzanne will be missed by all who knew her and our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss for you and your family. May the Lord watch over and bless you and provide you with sustain and comfort you.

Kelly Criddle
Mar 10, 2010
Syracuse, UT


Sue is one of those quiet, valiant spirits who has positively influenced the lives of others through her example. Such relationships begin prior to earth and will continue beyond this life. We are blessed to have the knowledge of eternal relationships. Sue will be missed by all. Our love to your family.

Brian and Connie Gough
Mar 10, 2010
Kaysville, UT


Dear Vince and Family,

Bonnie and I were deeply saddened to learn of Sue's passing Sunday night. Death is rarely timely but know you have a firm conviction of her whereabouts, and that you will join back together at an appropriate time.

Sue was an integral part of each of our children's Patriarchal Blessings. All five (Casey, Missy, Jenni, Dusty, and Linsey) were made to feel at ease and comfortable in your home for those special occasions.

Casey and Dusty also enjoyed moving pipe with Vince in the summers, and they appreciated Sue's kind involvement in their lives.

Bonnie and I have always admired you and your great family and have you in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Best wishes,

Randy and Bonnie Hunt
Mar 10, 2010
UT


March 11, 2010
We express our deepest sympathy. She was a wonderful classmate at Davis High School.
~
Robert Hollist,
Idaho Falls, Idaho
March 10, 2010


"By their fruits ye shall know them." An eternal marriage, and 7 bright and honorable children. What an abundant life! Thank you for the wonderful example your family is to me.
~
Holly Hess Dunn,
Salem, Utah
March 10, 2010

I will always remember Aunt Sue running back and forth between hers and Aunt Joyce's house as we harvested corn and green beans underneath the big tree. She was a tire-less worker, with never a word of complaint. She was devoted to her family and seemed to find her pleasure in life in the simple things. I remember telling her last July when I saw her that I didn't think she had changed in the last 30 years, still as lovely as ever and hardly a wrinkle, only smile lines! May we all be as kind and patient. We'll miss you!
~
Heidi Hess Johnson,
Pleasant Grove, Utah
March 10, 2010


Sue Hess is one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known. She treated me like one of her own when I was frequently invited under her roof in my youth. Although the temporary separation is difficult for those left behind, this angel is truly where she belongs, no longer weighed down with earthly cares. I'm certain that her reunion with departed loved ones was a very joyful day indeed.
~
Cameron Hess,
Orange County, California
March 10, 2010


Vince and family,

Suzanne was one of my special cousins, especially since we were about the same age. How I remember the many wonderful times we had together. I am so grateful that we happened to be in Utah when you had your 50th wedding anniversary and were able to see her. We know you will find comfort in the gospel through the tough times ahead.

Lots of love and aloha.
~
Carol Gay and Dale Hammond
Laie, Hawaii
March 10, 2010


Craig and Tiffany: Love and concern from your Sunnyvale kin.
~
Dale C. Mouritsen,
Sunnyvale, California
March 10, 2010


Dear Hess Family:

We were saddened to learn of Suzanne's passing. She is a truly an example of Christian living and we will miss her deeply. Your family made us feel so welcome when we moved to Farmington 27 years ago, and you have been among our dearest friends ever since. May the Lord bless you at this difficult time and grant you His peace and comfort - the peace that surpasses all understanding.
With love,
Tom and Sharon Ockey


Dear Vince & Family,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I still see Suzanne's smiling face as we last visited in December. I also can't help but think of the sweet reunion she had with Todd and other loved ones. What a wonderful family. May your grief lessen every day and the comforter work in your life. Because of the distance we will not be able to attend the service, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Love,
Jodie & Christine (Criddle) Mason
Mar 11, 2010
Eugene, OR


Dear Neighbors,
My family & I want you to know our thoughts and love are with you at this time. Sue's legacy of love will always be remembered. Because of family illness I'm unable to attend her services, but know my love is with you all.
Geri (Mickelson) Allen and Family
Mar 11, 2010
UT


Vince & Sons,
Your mother was an incredible women, who's spirituality touched many lives. Her kind heart and giving spirit were radiated whenever she welcomed anyone into her home. We are so grateful of the great love and care she showed Grandma Florence. All the love, visits, meals and kind words. Our grandmother always spoke great words of gratitude towards her. What a glorious celebration her life on earth was and that celebration continues as she joins her loved ones that have passed before her. She has raised an amazing family. We will truly miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys.

All our Love.
Steve & Bonnie Hess
Stephanie Hess
Bill & Tracy Hess Clarno
Lance & Charlene Hess Jensen
Mike & Kadie Hess Briggs
Charlene Hess Jensen
Mar 11, 2010
Syracuse, UT


If the measure of a woman is her children, Suzanne Hess was simply remarkable and without equal. Her sons are the smartest, hardest-working, straightest arrows around.

As a boy and young man, I remember the penetrating and austere looks from Sister Hess...as if to say, "Bobby Aamodt, you won't be getting into any of your mischief in my house."

She made us all better people. My fondest memories and deepest felt condolences to all of the Hess Family and my friends, Christian and Matthew.

Bob and Julie Aamodt
Mar 11, 2010
Farmington, UT


Dear Vince and Family,

Mike and I were saddened to hear of the passing of your sweet wife and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. We know that the knowledge of our Heavenly Father's eternal plan will be of great comfort to you. What an elect lady Suzanne is!

All Our Love,
Mike and Cindy Petersen
Mar 12, 2010
Layton, UT


I was so sad to hear this news. We so wish we were closer so we could be present for your family at this time.
What a terrific example of a Christ Centered home I always encountered when visiting yours! I appreciated the spirit there!

Emily Hess Flinders
Mar 12, 2010
Audubon, PA

Veteran Tributes

Freedom isn't free. It is secured and retained at a very high price.

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." -John Stuart Mill

Erich Anderson, an American patriot who appreciates and honors veterans for their service and sacrifice to their nation, has created a website whereon he posts individual tributes. As of the time of this posting, he has created nearly 1,000 individual tributes.
http://www.veterantributes.org/

One of these veteran tributes is for Lieutenant Colonel Jay C. Hess
http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=941

This website link has been appended to the blog post tribute I compiled for my father on 7 October 2008.
http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2008/10/belated-national-powmia-recognition-day.html

Aluminum metal fatigue

One of the nice properties of aluminum alloy is that for a metal, it is relatively light in weight. Light weight is valued by bicycle manufacturers and riders. One of the not so good properties of aluminum is that when it eventually wears out and breaks, it often does so with little or no warning. It does not bend or deform very much- it just snaps.

While cycling to work this morning, I felt a vaguely familiar, but disconcerting feeling. For just a moment, the bike did not feel right. Something moved in a way that was not normal. I remember feeling that sensation before, but could not remember til later where and when this happened. At first I thought I had a flat tire, but a quick check showed that the tires, while perhaps a little bit less inflated than usual, were still in good shape. I continued on to work with no further issues (other than a little drizzle) and, as I often do, I pedaled hard up the final incline (stressing the bike with each pedal stroke) before the final down grade into work. No noticeable problems. Everything seemed fine.

On the way home, I had a tailwind during the long decline along Irvine Boulevard by the old El Toro Marine Airbase. I pedaled hard again, probably reaching 35 mph in a bike lane alongside a 4-lane highway with traffic traveling at freeway speeds. To the right is a ditch filled with jagged rocks which carries the water runoff when it rains.

As I pulled away from the stoplight at the intersection of Irvine Boulevard and Tustin Avenue, a few miles closer to home, I pulled on the handlebars like I normally do to enable me to transmit power to the pedals. I felt something move in the handlebars. I thought my aerobar might be slipping where it connects to the handlebars. This has happened before. After the fact I realized that this was a bad diagnosis, as I had not been holding onto the aerobars, but rather was holding onto the brake hoods on the top of the handlebars. I slowed and turned right onto a low traffic street called Plaza Drive located between Tustin Avenue and where I normally turn on Holt. I made sure there were no other cars around and then slowed to about 5 mph while I slowly tried to wiggle the handle bars and watched carefully to see if I could detect where the motion was happening. When I gave a slight tug upward, the entire handlebar assembly snapped off in my hands without warning, causing me to loose my balance. With nothing to grab onto other than the handlebars already in my hands, I tumbled forward over the front wheel, landing on my head and shoulder in the middle of the road, with bike parts landing all around me. I hate that feeling of knowing that I am about to crash and there is nothing I can do about it but fall.

After I picked myself up and collected all the bike pieces out of the road and moved them to the curb, I I took some photos of the broken bicycle and called home for a ride. Then I realized how very blessed I was that this mechanical failure had happened when I was going 5 mph instead of a few minutes earlier when I was going 35 mph. If the failure had occurred on that busy stretch of Irvine Boulevard with fast traffic on my left and a rocky ditch to my right, I would most likely have been seriously injured or killed. I knelt and thanked God for having answered our prayer earlier that morning before leaving home that I would be protected while commuting to and from work.

I always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This was only the 3rd time I have needed it, but I have sure been glad that it was securely fastened on my head each time, or I might not have survived to write this blog posting. I was also wearing gloves, which helped minimize the damage to my hands, even though they are still stiff and sore from landing on my clenched knuckles that were holding onto the detached handlebars. My right shoulder has a good size raspberry (road rash), has a deep tissue bruise, and is sore. I will probably be sore all over in the morning. But I am very grateful to be alive and in one piece.

BEFORE PICTURE: (click on photos to view larger image)



AFTER PICTURES:

The frame on my 2003 Lemond Tourmalet bicycle is made from Reynolds 853 steel tubing. According to this website (http://tinyurl.com/yllexhp), the front forks are Bontrager Race Carbon fiber. As you can see from the photos, the top portion of the aluminum fork steering tube snapped off just below where the handlebar stem was connected.

After the fact, I remembered that the last time I felt a bike moving in an unnatural way was years ago when the chain stay portion of the rear frame triangle on my old bike broke where it connects to the rear wheel dropouts. This allowed the rear triangle and wheel to move slightly. While cycling to work, I had probably sensed the aluminum steering tube starting to fail.

So all you cyclists out there, if you are riding an older bike with a frame or load bearing components made from aluminum, you should periodically check them to make sure they not approaching the point of metal fatigue failure. Look for cracks periodically and give them a good tug before each ride to ensure they are still solid.

Tuacahn Amphitheatre- Summer 2010

Zach has signed a contract to perform at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre near St. George Utah this summer. He will be in three different plays.

The Disney stage musical "Tarzan" will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday nights from June 7-October 15th. Zach will be in the ensemble.
http://www.tuacahn.org/tarzan.php

Andrew Lloyd Weber's seven time Tony award winning musical production of "Cats" will be on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights June 8-August 14th.
Zach has been cast as Munkustrap, a lead character and defacto Narrator.
http://tuacahn.com/cats.php

A Gershwin comedy "Crazy for You" will be performed Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights from August 26th-October 16th. Zach will be in the ensemble.
http://tuacahn.com/crazyforyou.php

Elvin Loy (Al) Riggs

Kim's father, Al Riggs, died of post operative pneumonia on January 26, 2010. He lived 85 years, almost all of it a healthy and vigorous man, enjoying elk hunting and long walks into his 80's. His funeral and a wake were held on Saturday, January 30th.

His obituary, as printed in the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune newspapers on January 28th, read as follows:

Elvin L. "Al" Riggs 1924 ~ 2010 Elvin L. "Al" Riggs returned to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Born to Garnett Lewis and Chloe Mae Jaggers Riggs on April 26, 1924 in Weiser, Idaho, Al was the second youngest of 13 children. He grew up in the midst of the Great Depression and learned at an early age the value of hard work and independence. He left home at the age of 14 to work and earn money for him and his family. At age 19 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably in World War II, including participation in the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged to Fort Douglas, Utah and decided to stay in Salt Lake City to obtain more education. He briefly attended the University of Utah and LDS Business College where he met his sweetheart Cleo Judd of Kanab, Utah. He and Cleo were married on May 9, 1948. They had five children, Randy, Shellie, Robin, Kimberlie, and Valerie. Al worked at several jobs before he settled on his life's profession -used car sales. He worked for others at first and then eventually started his own company in South Salt Lake, Riggs' Bout Nu Kars. Either alone or with an occasional partner Al owned and operated that company for 40 years. He retired in 1991 but came out of retirement in 1992, brought his son Randy in as a partner, and changed the name of the company to Riggs' Car Co. After Randy's untimely death he re-retired and spent the rest of his time with Cleo traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Besides his family Al's great passion was hunting. He was an avid elk and deer hunter in both Idaho and Utah. In recent years he spent most of his hunting time in Central Utah with friends from Salt Lake, Manti, and Mayfield. As recently as 2007, at age 83, Al got lost on a hunting trip but survived alone all night in sub-freezing temperatures. Rescuers were astounded at his outdoors skills and resilience. Al was preceded in death by his beloved Cleo, his son Randy Riggs, his daughter Valerie Abramyan, his parents, and all but one of his 12 siblings. He is survived by his daughter Shellie Riggs, son Robin Riggs (Patricia), and daughter Kimberlie Hess (Cameron), 22 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren, and his brother Wilbur (Elizabeth). Al, Dad, Grandpa, we will miss you but we are comforted, knowing that you are having a wonderful reunion in the loving arms of Cleo and Randy and Val. You will be in our hearts forever! Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bountiful 17th Ward, 2150 S. 650 E. in Bountiful, UT. Friends may call prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. A viewing will also be held on Friday night from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main St. in Bountiful. Online guest book available at www.russonmortuary.com

Funeral service program:


An audio recording of the funeral will be shared with family members as soon as it can be made available for distribution.

The following comments were posted in the Legacy.com online Obituary Guest Book and are included here because the guest book may not be accessible after the end of the February.
(http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookID=1421773183074)

February 06, 2010
Hello my dear cousins,

I am so sorry for your loss, and understand how difficult this time will be, but I hope that the memories and lessons learned from your dad/grandfather will live on and give strength and direction to our lives. I loved his wonderful sense of humor and how well he treated Cleo. Their love for each other radiated from them and extended to each of you and to all around them. May God bless you with peace and comfort in knowing we will see them again.

Love,
Renae (Orullian) Ferrin


February 01, 2010
DEAR RIGGS FAMILY:I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY AL DIED LAST WEEK . I AM SO SORRY I DIDNT SEE THE OBITUARY LAST WEEK ABOUT THE FUNERAL SATURDAY AND MISSED IT. AL WAS A VERY GOOD FRIEND AND AUTO SALES ASSOCIATE. GOLFING AND FUN FRIEND TO BE AROUND & WITH . WE HAD SOME VERY GOOD TIMES FOR OVER 30 YEARS. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HE WAS A GREAT MAN. RICK MCMICHAEL (DRIFTY)
January 31, 2010
Dear Riggs Family

Our Dad was one of Al's first business partners in the car business. We all have fun memories of the two of them and all the hard work they did for their families. We were able to visit with Al at our Dad's funeral in April and laugh about all the fun times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you always remember the wonderful memories of your Dad and may they bring you comfort.

Warm Regards
Cheryl Roberts Done, Brent, Nell Roberts and Family.


January 30, 2010
My Dear cousins, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father Al, I thought very much of him, and considered him to be a good friend. I remember buying my second car from him as a youngster especially remembering my first pickup a 1954 Ford that he sold me. I bought several cars from him up untill the last one that I bought from Randy, I will always remember my cousin Cleo, Al and Randy and hope to meet you all again sometime.


January 29, 2010
Dear Robin,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. I lost my own Dad last March and can empathize with your feelings now. May your happy memories bring your comfort at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Campbell
Salt Lake City, Utah


January 29, 2010
My dearest Brit.. I love you so much and I know how much you cared for your grandfather and how much you did. You are such a selfless and wonderful person and you know he loved you dearly.My prayers are with you all..Shellie, Amanda, Jess,and Dawn I love you. Sheila


January 28, 2010
We are very saddened ,by the passing of Al ...as one of the youngest "Platts boys "I can remember ,like it was yesterday , being so impressed , by Al letting me match the car keys with the cars on the lot !! 40 yrs ago ! He was one of my dads best freinds ,, and after dads passing ,, being one of moms Fun and Great Freinds ... May God bless you and yours ,with much love ,, Vi and the entire Platts family ...


January 28, 2010
Dear Riggs family

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Al. What a great guy. We have been acquainted & friends for many years through the car business. Even after his retirement, he would stop in occasionally and visit. It was always nice to see him.
I am glad for him that he is reunited with his beloved Cleo, he talked quite often of how he missed her.

I hope fond memories will help you through this difficult time.

Sincere Sympathy,

Barb Belman
LHM Silent Auction


January 28, 2010
I am Connie Ericksen, Alvin Briggs's daughter. Al was a wonderful and kind man. My Dad moved nine months ago and everytime I would go to my Dad's house to do some cleaning Al would come over and talk to me. He will be missed very much.
January 28, 2010
My thoughts are with his family. Al was an amazing person and he will be missed.
~
Casey Wardell,
Woods cross, Utah


January 28, 2010
Dear Robin and Patricia,
So Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We are thinking of you and your family, and pray for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Love,
Aaron and Dawn Hall
~
Dawn Hall,
Draper, Utah


Click on the following URL hyperlink to access an online album of photos and videos from our trip to Utah for the funeral.
http://picasaweb.google.com/CameronHess/Jan2010TripToUtahForAlRiggsFuneral#

Kendri Ava Hess

With everything that has been happening the past few weeks, I failed to announce via blog the arrival of our newest grandchild. Kendri Ava Hess was born to Celeste Diaz Hess and Jayson Riggs Hess on 1/23/2010 at 4:48pm. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long. What a cutie-patootie! We can't wait to see her in March.

Sawyer George Eliot Hess

We are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Sawyer George Eliot Hess, who was born to Michele Wilson Hess and Thomas Judd Hess on Thursday, January 14th at 4:01am. Sawyer weighed in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Mom and baby are both home from the hospital and doing fine. Welcome to earth, Sawyer!

What a CUTE baby!!

Wild weather in Southern California

Southern California has already had two major storms since Sunday night...and its only Tuesday!

There is great concern about the rain creating mudslides in the local foothills and mountains, especially where last year's fires burned the vegetation that helps hold the dirt in place on the steep hillsides during periods of rain.

The strong rain associated with today's storm flooded many intersections and low lying areas, swamping and stalling many vehicles. The strong winds broke branches and uprooted trees.
The roofs of several buildings collapsed from the weight of too much water. Kim said it rained so hard at our house that the water was coming off the roof in a solid sheet. When the worst of the storm hit in the early afternoon, the sky at work became as dark as an hour after sundown. The street lights all came on and it was too dark to see the street from our office building, with the exception of car headlights. There was lightning and thunder. There were numerous weather alerts, flood advisories, and high wind warnings. Then a Tornado Warning was issued for southern Los Angeles, Orange, and northwestern San Diego Counties. Two water spouts were reported off the coast of Huntington Beach area, with one of them coming ashore as a tornado that overturned an SUV, tore roofs off buildings, breaking windows, and making a big mess. At work, everyone in an office or room with an outside window was evacuated to an inner room until the Tornado Warning was cancelled. This disrupted a workshop I was attending in our 3rd story window encased conference room. People near rivers and streams have been sandbagging and trying to shovel away mud to protect their homes. There are mandatory evacuations for people in certain foothill areas to leave their homes before the next storm hits tomorrow afternoon. No known storm damage or injuries in our neighborhood so far.

There was lots of snow in the high mountains. One man was crushed and killed when a large tree blown over by high winds fell on his cabin.
http://www.weather.com/multimedia/videoplayer.html?clip=16317&from=hp_video_3

Here is a photo of the weather radar at the height of the storm. Notice the large, hook-shaped pattern of heavy rain over central Orange County. The storm was traveling from the southwest towards the northeast.


Here is a URL link to a video and photo slide show of storm damage.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/weather-229784-storm-rain.html?pic=1

The first storm on Sunday night and Monday was worse than anticipated. The powerful storm that clobbered the entire length of California today was forecast to be the weakest storm of the week, with WORSE storms forecast for Wednesday afternoon and again on Thursday evening. Everybody batten down the hatches, belt up, and hold on for a wild ride!

Christmas 2009 Pennsylvania trip

Kim and I and Zachary and Kaylee flew back to Hershey, Pennsylvania (where Clayton is a 3rd year medical student at Penn State) to visit Clayton and Katie May and their children Gredtel, Mayzie, and Clark from Christmas 2009 through New Years 2010. We had a wonderful time! We got to spend a week with Clayton and their family, go to Chocolate World, visit the beautiful capitol building of Pennsylvania in nearby Harrisburg, visit Amish Country, tour the IMPRESSIVE and sobering Gettysburg Museum and battlefield, be in attendance when our newest grandson Clark was blessed in church, go sledding and build snowmen....oh, and help a friend of Clayton's move. :)

This is a link to some photos taken during the trip:
http://picasaweb.google.com/CameronHess/Christmas2009PennsylvaniaTrip#